Braves Rumors: Reliever Jesse Chavez should be primed for a postseason return
Earlier this year, the Atlanta Braves lost one of their better relievers, Jesse Chavez, to a scary leg injury. Despite that, Atlanta has been able to hold onto one of the best bullpens in the big leagues. Early in September, the Braves rank second in MLB in bullpen ERA and WHIP.
But, among their bullpen arms, Chavez has been the most impressive. He's compiled 31 appearances and holds a 1.55 ERA and over 11 strikeouts per nine innings. His age-39 season has truly been impressive.
The Braves have missed his services dearly. Chavez has been replaced by a multitude of different relief options and while they have been serviceable, they haven't been near the level that the 39-year-old Chavez has been.
David O'Brien of The Athletic reports that Chavez has been off a mound facing live hitters in recent days. This is a huge step in order to get him back for the postseason. This kind of step is only going to propel the Braves closer to a World Series.
Atlanta already has one of the best offenses in the entire major leagues. They pair that with a few dominant arms and they will only be getting better as they get healthier down the stretch.
Braves Rumors: Top prospect AJ Smith-Shawver should be back in Atlanta for the postseason
Heading into the season, the Braves didn't have a prospect with more hype and potential than the righty, AJ Smith-Sawver. Not only did he come with a ton of hype, but he's still extremely young, having yet to turn 21.
If the Braves opt to go with a five-man rotation for the playoffs in order to give starters more rest in between starts, Smith-Shawver is the perfect piece for that fifth spot. There are a few options, but nobody provides the ceiling that the top prospect does.
The Braves have already given the young pitcher a chance in the big leagues and it's come with mixed results. He currently holds an ERA in the mid-4s through four career starts. This includes a 5+ inning start against the Nationals in which he allowed no runs on three hits.
Even if the Braves don't opt for a five-man rotation, Smith-Shawver could still fit on the postseason roster. He gives the bullpen length and stamina that nobody in the current bullpen could offer.
Whatever his role may be, Atlanta needs to explore the possibility of bringing the top prospect up this season. AJ Smith-Shawver has a promising future in the big leagues and some exposure in the postseason would help him tremendously.
Braves Rumors: Collin McHugh will need to return from the IL for the postseason
Collin McHugh has been one of the more reliable bullpen arms on the entire Braves roster, despite an ERA higher than you would like. The veteran has appeared in 41 games this year while compiling nearly 60 innings, second among relievers for Atlanta this year.
This past week, the righty has landed on the injured list again, with right shoulder inflammation. This isn't the first time that McHugh has dealt with shoulder troubles in his career, or in this season for that matter.
But once he's able to be healthy, he'll be one of Atlanta's more reliable relievers again. Atlanta doesn't feature too many big names in their bullpen this season, but they've produced rather well.
This year, his walk rate has ticked up and his strikeout rate has ticked down, but his experience alone is enough for the Braves to understand that he'll improve as the season drags on.
McHugh could land a spot with the Braves 2023 postseason roster just because of his tremendous success last season. He has the track record to throw quality innings in the playoffs this season. The Braves seem to trust him and if he can get healthy, there may not be a better option for Atlanta in October.
